Universal morphologies of fluid interfaces deformed by the radiation pressure of acoustic or electromagnetic waves

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that fluid interfaces develop universal morphologies under radiation pressure from both acoustic and electromagnetic waves, with experimental, numerical, and theoretical insights revealing step-like deformations.

Contribution

It uncovers universal interface deformation patterns caused by radiation pressure, regardless of wave type, supported by experiments, simulations, and waveguiding theory.

Findings

Interface deformations have step-like features

Universal morphologies are observed for acoustic and optical waves

Numerical simulations support experimental results

Abstract

We unveil the generation of universal morphologies of fluid interfaces by radiation pressure whatever is the nature of the wave, acoustic or optical. Experimental observations reveal interface deformations endowed with step-like features that are shown to result from the interplay between the wave propagation and the shape of the interface. The results are supported by numerical simulations and a quantitative interpretation based on the waveguiding properties of the field is provided.